Welsh-Huggins, Andrew. Fourth Down and Out. Athens, OH: Ohio University Press. 2014. Print.
First Sentences:
Description:
I've always evaluated books based on plot, character, and writing style. But sometimes there is one additional characteristic: location. Whether you like stories that take place on the moon, in a historical setting, or some dream spot like a beach or deep jungle, sometimes the environment is lure enough to continue reading. Such is the case for Andrew Welsh-Huggins' debut detective novel, Fourth Down and Out. The hook? It's set in the "Mean streets' of Columbus, Ohio, my home.
There is a special pleasure to reading about characters sitting in your favorite restaurant, driving around familiar neighborhoods, and weaving around on roads you have driven on yourself. And when the protaganist is a former disgraced quarterback from The Ohio State University (who is my former place of employment), I'm all in.
In Fourth Down and Out (a ridiculous title), something Andy Hayes did twenty years ago during the Michigan/Ohio State football game that sent his football and personal life into a downward spiral. Now starting as a private investigor, Hayes is given an assignment to recover computer files being used to blackmail a prominent citizen. But when Hayes' own house in German Village is broken into, he finds himself more deeply involved than merely professionally.
It is the dialog and people that set Welsh-Huggins apart as a writer. Not content to provide a ripping detective story, Welsh-Huggins adds Columbus football-crazed characters who are slow to forget Hayes' on-field transgression (it is revealed near the end). Of course, Hayes constantly has to endure catcalls of "Woody" from passersby, a reference to the famous coach but also, we find out, a link to his downfall.
Fourth Down and Out is a very pleasant addition to modern detective fiction with interesting characters, plot, writing style, and now the setting. Lots of fun for those familiar with Columbus, but prior geographic knowledge of the Arch City is not required. Enjoy.
Young, Carrie. The Wedding Dress
"Hey! Woody Hayes!"
I was almost home when I heard the man's voice. I shouldn't have turned around. Partly because I haven't been called that name by anyone I consider a friend in close to two decades.
Description:
I've always evaluated books based on plot, character, and writing style. But sometimes there is one additional characteristic: location. Whether you like stories that take place on the moon, in a historical setting, or some dream spot like a beach or deep jungle, sometimes the environment is lure enough to continue reading. Such is the case for Andrew Welsh-Huggins' debut detective novel, Fourth Down and Out. The hook? It's set in the "Mean streets' of Columbus, Ohio, my home.
There is a special pleasure to reading about characters sitting in your favorite restaurant, driving around familiar neighborhoods, and weaving around on roads you have driven on yourself. And when the protaganist is a former disgraced quarterback from The Ohio State University (who is my former place of employment), I'm all in.
In Fourth Down and Out (a ridiculous title), something Andy Hayes did twenty years ago during the Michigan/Ohio State football game that sent his football and personal life into a downward spiral. Now starting as a private investigor, Hayes is given an assignment to recover computer files being used to blackmail a prominent citizen. But when Hayes' own house in German Village is broken into, he finds himself more deeply involved than merely professionally.
It is the dialog and people that set Welsh-Huggins apart as a writer. Not content to provide a ripping detective story, Welsh-Huggins adds Columbus football-crazed characters who are slow to forget Hayes' on-field transgression (it is revealed near the end). Of course, Hayes constantly has to endure catcalls of "Woody" from passersby, a reference to the famous coach but also, we find out, a link to his downfall.
Fourth Down and Out is a very pleasant addition to modern detective fiction with interesting characters, plot, writing style, and now the setting. Lots of fun for those familiar with Columbus, but prior geographic knowledge of the Arch City is not required. Enjoy.
Happy reading.
Fred
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If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
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If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
Young, Carrie. The Wedding Dress
More wonderful recollections about the people and life in the small farming community on the North Dakota plains. (previously reviewed here)
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